First List of Child Haulers under $35K

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Old 06-02-2008, 11:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
I want a smooth ride, no rattles, toys (MP3,bluetooth, nav), leather...etc.
I know there are probably a lot of them, but the TL, Camry, and Accord all seem like they would fit your criteria.
Old 06-02-2008, 11:46 AM
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Probably...But owning a Lexus sounds nice..
Old 06-02-2008, 12:23 PM
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
ES 350, GS300, IS 250
M35, G35, FX35

As examples....

Basically the best 4 door under 35K, anything over a 2006 and under 40K miles....
I like the FX35.
Old 06-02-2008, 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by RaviNJCLs
I like the FX35.
Picking up a loaded 06 FX35 w/ 20k miles for $25k in the near future.
Old 06-02-2008, 12:55 PM
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^^Nice!!
Old 06-02-2008, 03:38 PM
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Personally, I'd steer clear of the new Accord sedan --- there's not a single thing about the exterior OR interior that excites me. Ugly. I like the looks of the coupe much more, although not what you're looking for.

Used Lexus!

Used Audi wagon (if you trust their reliability)

Used VW wagon (if you trust their reliability)

Subaru Legacy/Outback wagon or Forester (and yes, I read your comments)

Nissan Altima (roomy)

New/Used TL (personally, I'm almost sworn off Acura for now - ready to try something new)

I've heard good things about the Murano (if you want to go that route)

For your wife....although not a luxurious brandname, the SUV itself seems quite refined and has all the amenities: New Highlander
Old 06-02-2008, 03:43 PM
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I can probably get a new Audi or VW under 35....Why an Altima compared to a Maxima?
Old 06-02-2008, 03:49 PM
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ES350

As much as I swear off Toyota/Lexus for the time being, the ES350 is so nice. I've driven it several times, and handling feel is non-existant but overall its a great car. The ride is so smooth its almost unnatural, and its eerily quiet. Drive one!
Old 06-02-2008, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
I can probably get a new Audi or VW under 35....Why an Altima compared to a Maxima?
I've never driven a Maxima - mostly because of its cost here, and also because I haven't liked the looks of 'em the past few years. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Old 06-03-2008, 02:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Street Spirit
I've never driven a Maxima - mostly because of its cost here, and also because I haven't liked the looks of 'em the past few years. Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Well yeah...You married Dan, didn't you....


Old 06-03-2008, 11:43 AM
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Talking

Originally Posted by Whiskers
Well yeah...You married Dan, didn't you....


Old 06-03-2008, 01:31 PM
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Just looking at some Subaru and Mitsubishi sites and got my thinking...What car companies should I avoid?
Old 06-03-2008, 01:56 PM
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american fords.
Old 06-03-2008, 02:12 PM
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duh...
Old 06-03-2008, 02:23 PM
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Originally Posted by I Go To Costco
ES350

As much as I swear off Toyota/Lexus for the time being, the ES350 is so nice. I've driven it several times, and handling feel is non-existant but overall its a great car. The ride is so smooth its almost unnatural, and its eerily quiet. Drive one!
My best friend's Dad has one. Nice car, don't get me wrong but he already had to bring it in because the tranny was slipping and apparently, it's common across the new Camry and ES line.

The ride is nice but man oh man, can you say boring?
Old 06-03-2008, 02:37 PM
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Is the Hyundai Azera any good?

Is the Hyundai Azera any good?
Old 06-03-2008, 02:48 PM
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Saab? Lincoln? Buick?
Old 06-03-2008, 03:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
Just looking at some Subaru and Mitsubishi sites and got my thinking...What car companies should I avoid?
Everything below the black line:
Old 06-03-2008, 03:09 PM
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You should add the A3 to the list.
Old 06-03-2008, 03:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
Is the Hyundai Azera any good?
I didn't want to bring up anything Hyundai cuz I thought you'd laugh it off (along with many others), but I've sat in the Azera at a few car shows + at dealer a few times over the past few years, and it appeared to be of very good quality. Some Hyundai's feel pretty cheaply built, but others (eg: Santa Fe and Azera) felt much better constructed - not sure why some do and some don't. It's a nice, roomy car.

I've heard very good things about the Azera, and it's absolutely a great deal, value-wise. I've never driven one though, and I'm sure there are more expensive cars that will feel more refined.

I wouldn't write off Hyundai...you can only try one out and judge from there. I think they're finally at the point where you can't discount them on name alone...at least, in my opinion. You'd definitely want to drive it into the ground though, as you'll never get much money back upon resale -- the only downfall.
Old 06-03-2008, 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by bgsm1th
Picking up a loaded 06 FX35 w/ 20k miles for $25k in the near future.

Wow, that sounds like a good deal!
Old 06-03-2008, 03:19 PM
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Originally Posted by elessar
Everything below the black line:

Wow, some shockers there (ex. Nissan)
Old 06-03-2008, 03:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Street Spirit
I didn't want to bring up anything Hyundai cuz I thought you'd laugh it off (along with many others), but I've sat in the Azera at a few car shows + at dealer a few times over the past few years, and it appeared to be of very good quality. Some Hyundai's feel pretty cheaply built, but others (eg: Santa Fe and Azera) felt much better constructed - not sure why some do and some don't. It's a nice, roomy car.

I've heard very good things about the Azera, and it's absolutely a great deal, value-wise. I've never driven one though, and I'm sure there are more expensive cars that will feel more refined.

I wouldn't write off Hyundai...you can only try one out and judge from there. I think they're finally at the point where you can't discount them on name alone...at least, in my opinion. You'd definitely want to drive it into the ground though, as you'll never get much money back upon resale -- the only downfall.
Maybe Ill rebadge it as something else...
Old 06-03-2008, 03:22 PM
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I do like the looks of some Buicks and from the chart, looks pretty good.
Old 06-03-2008, 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by bgsm1th
Picking up a loaded 06 FX35 w/ 20k miles for $25k in the near future.
Sweet. I would love one of those.
Old 06-03-2008, 04:50 PM
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Originally Posted by Scrib
Wow, that sounds like a good deal!
since you wouldn't sell me your old G35c back in the day, I've been waiting for these to come down in price...
Local dealers are having a hard time selling them for $28k, and I'm seeing a few at dealer auctions for $25k, and the prices will only drop more now that the new models are coming out.
As soon as the right one comes along, I'm jumping on it!

Originally Posted by RaviNJCLs
Sweet. I would love one of those.
I'm looking forward to it! Unfortunately, it'll replace wifey's 01 I30t, and not my 01 CL-S.
Old 06-03-2008, 04:58 PM
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Hmm, I like the FX35...But also like that other EX thing...
Old 06-03-2008, 05:00 PM
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
Hmm, I like the FX35...But also like that other EX thing...
Thats not a child hauler the back seat is VERY small.

What about a RAV4, highlander, or a 4Runner those are decent at least worth checking out.
Old 06-03-2008, 05:07 PM
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
Hmm, I like the FX35...But also like that other EX thing...
Originally Posted by Trackruner228
Thats not a child hauler the back seat is VERY small.

What about a RAV4, highlander, or a 4Runner those are decent at least worth checking out.
The FX would be just fine as a child hauler. The EX would be a little small.
I bet you could get a NEW FX for upper $30's these days...
The FX re-make will be coming out any day now and they need to clear the lots of the old ones...
Old 06-03-2008, 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by Trackruner228
Thats not a child hauler the back seat is VERY small.

What about a RAV4, highlander, or a 4Runner those are decent at least worth checking out.
Highlander and 4runner are probably too big...My parents have an older Rav4 and meh...
Old 06-03-2008, 05:13 PM
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Originally Posted by bgsm1th
The FX would be just fine as a child hauler. The EX would be a little small.
I bet you could get a NEW FX for upper $30's these days...
The FX re-make will be coming out any day now and they need to clear the lots of the old ones...
Ill look, but looking to stay under 35...I see lots of 2006 and 2007's under 35 though...
Old 06-03-2008, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by bgsm1th
The FX would be just fine as a child hauler. The EX would be a little small.
I bet you could get a NEW FX for upper $30's these days...
The FX re-make will be coming out any day now and they need to clear the lots of the old ones...
Sorry I should have been more specific I ment the EX. The FX I think has a plenty big back seat. I have been in the back of the Murano and its more than enough so I would image the FX does as well.
Old 06-03-2008, 05:18 PM
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Can't get a Nav in the Rav4...So no Nav4.
Old 06-03-2008, 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by bgsm1th
since you wouldn't sell me your old G35c back in the day, I've been waiting for these to come down in price...
Local dealers are having a hard time selling them for $28k, and I'm seeing a few at dealer auctions for $25k, and the prices will only drop more now that the new models are coming out.
As soon as the right one comes along, I'm jumping on it!
What year G35 are those prices for?

I got a smokin' deal when I traded that car in. But I do miss it.
Old 06-03-2008, 10:01 PM
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If you're not scared of gas consumption, get an 06-07 FX45!
Old 06-04-2008, 09:06 AM
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Have you considered the Lexus RX (350 or 400h)? I'm sure you can get a used one for < 35k. We have a 350 and it's great, although it's really more of a soccer mom car (my wife drives it; I drive a TL).
Old 06-04-2008, 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by bgsm1th
I'm looking forward to it! Unfortunately, it'll replace wifey's 01 I30t, and not my 01 CL-S.
Why? Keep the I30 for yourself and trade the CLs.
Old 06-04-2008, 09:12 AM
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Originally Posted by nokiaman
If you're not scared of gas consumption, get an 06-07 FX45!
Old 06-04-2008, 09:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Whiskers
Is the Hyundai Azera any good?
I don't know about the Azera, but a very close freind of mine has on 06 Sonata, and it has fewer rattles (ZERO) than my 06 TL.

The Sonata has plenty of room, a bigger trunk, and is solid as a rock. If the Azera is 'more" Sonata....the Azera must be a very good car.
Old 06-04-2008, 09:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Scrib
What year G35 are those prices for?

I got a smokin' deal when I traded that car in. But I do miss it.
Actually, I was referring to an 06 FX35 for those prices, not a G35. Sorry for the confusion.
I just remember you selling your G35 years ago and me wanting to pick it up from you, but not having enough $$ at the time.

Originally Posted by RaviNJCLs
Why? Keep the I30 for yourself and trade the CLs.
Well, the I30t is creeping up on 100k miles, and could use about $2k in maintenance. Rather than pumping that $$ into the car, we're putting it towards the FX for her.

Since the CL-S has already had that 100k maintenance done and is running like a top, I'm keeping it for another 6-8 months and then I'll get something else for myself...which will be MUCH easier to do when she got something new first and is happy.


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